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The philosopher kings of UK politics

“When asked who his favourite philosopher was, George W Bush famously answered ‘Jesus Christ’. At least he had one. Politicians tend to avoid philosophy like the plague. Oliver Letwin, for instance, has a PhD on the subject but when I asked him if that was a disadvantage in politics he answered, ‘massive’, without hesitation. ‘I do my best to conceal it.’ Another brainy MP, Tony Wright, once found himself quoting Mill in a parliamentary debate, ‘and I just realised how odd that was, and how embarrassing it was.’ So when we hear the Nick Clegg spent a lot of time reading John Locke, the news stands out.”